New School Year Resolutions

I have never really done new year resolutions. They usually end up forgotten by February for me. While I didn't make any new year resolutions I am making new school year resolutions. My first day of class was today (last first day of undergrad-happy or sad?) and I have set some school related goals for myself to help keep me focused!

Plan Ahead
How many times have you looked at your syllabus or planner just to see that you had a huge paper due tomorrow? Same. It's stressful and causes you to miss out on fun things like dinner with the girls in order to throw together a paper on a topic you know nothing about. My mom gave me the prettiest leather planner for Christmas and I am using it for nothing but school assignments. No clutter, No excuses!

Go to Sleep Earlier
Self explanatory. It's hard to focus in class when I was up until three am binge watching House of Cards.

Say No When I Want To
I feel like I have to do everything- every meeting, every party, every dinner, every study date. It takes a serious toll on me and causes way too many all nighters to catch up on that work I blew off. Beyonce won't show up to that party I skip (hopefully).

Say Yes When I'm Scared To
On the other hand, I want to stop being so afraid to branch out of my comfort zone. I'm resolving to join a new club or organization or try something on campus I've always wanted to do but haven't. It's good to expand your horizons!

Keep My Room and Desk Clean
I just get more done. It's a fact.

Dress Nicer for Class
So guilty of the leggings and tee shirt everyday. It's just easy. While I still have time to dress this way I know law school is different- you have to take yourself seriously! I think it will be beneficial to at least try to get used to it now. Plus, when you look good you feel good, right?

These resolutions sound pretty easy but I know they are going to be tough when I want to go to everything or stay up all night watching netflix. They will definitely be a work in progress, but I'm excited to get to it!

Do you have any new school year resolutions? I'd love to hear about them!

Feliz Navi Done (with finals!)

I am FINALLY done with finals! Did anyone else's finals drive them nuts? I am so happy to be home and I finally feel like I am in the Christmas spirit. It's the most wonderful time of the year, so I make sure to dress like it

Similar Sweater | Similar Vest | Isaac Mizrahi Loafers

Necklace from Boone Belles - Call to order!

It's unseasonably warm here so it feels great with just a vest. I'm also so excited to finally wear these loafers- I scored them at TJ Maxx for just $2!

What are you wearing to get into the Christmas spirit?

DIY Sharpie Mugs (that actually last!)

I have seen so many sharpie mug tutorials lately. They are so easy and cute, but some people have complained theirs didn't hold up. Of course, I had to try this for myself.

Turned out pretty great! I love having this reminder every morning when I have my coffee, and it was way cheaper than buying one from a retailer.

What you need:

Cheap Coffee Cup. I got mine from Dollar General

Sharpie

Pan

Oven

What to do:

1. Clean your mug. Really, really clean it. I scrubbed mine in the sink with Dawn. Dry it off really well.
2. Draw your design on the mug. I traced mine from a piece of paper. Go over the design several times.
3. Place the mug on the pan in a cold oven. Heat the over to 350. Once the oven reaches 350 continue to bake for 30 minutes. When 30 minutes is up turn the oven off and let the mug cool with the oven.
4. Let mug sit for 24 hours before use.

That's it! I read lots of tutorials that said this didn't work, but it has worked great for me! I don't dishwash my mug, but handwashing hasn't damaged it at all. I recommend getting the cheapest mug you can find for this, as its glaze melts more easily and takes in the sharpie.

Let me know if you try this out!

PS- Follow me on my new Instagram!

Travel Survival Kit

The holidays are a time of travel. Everyone is busy going to and from friends and family. While it’s great to see everyone and spend time celebrating with the ones you love, travel can be one of the most stressful parts of the season. My family usually travels by car, but we have also traveled by plane for the holidays, and both are stressful for different reasons. I have found that having the right things in my tote bag (I used my longchamp for this one) can help makes the time in the car or in the air much more enjoyable.

Phone/Laptop/iPad/Nook

These seem like no brainers, but you would be surprised how easy it is to forget them. Time always goes by faster when you have these for work or entertainment. Don’t forget chargers and headphones!

A great playlist

Especially essential if you’re the driver. I couldn’t survive my six hour drive home without one!

Books and Magazines

These are great if you don’t feel like being plugged in. Challenge yourself to finish a whole book during the trip.

School Work or Work Work

Even though it’s vacation time, I hate wasting valuable time when I have things to do. A six hour drive or flight is the perfect time to catch up on emails, homework, or start studying for finals.

Drinks and Snacks

I can’t go on a long car ride without a diet coke and a pack of crackers. You never know when carsickness or hunger could strike! If you’re flying be sure to buy these after you go through security so they won’t be thrown away.

Sunglasses

Nothing is more miserable than being trapped in a car with the sun blazing in your eyes with no way to block it. Be prepared!

Small toiletry bag

I keep mascara, lipstick, and moisturizer in my bag for touch ups and dry skin. I also keep Advil, my epi pen, extra contacts, and daily medication with me as well- it gives me much more peace of mind than having it in a bulky bag that would take time to dig through when in need. If you’re flying be sure to have the right sizes and that you’re allowed to carry said medication on flight.

Planner

Have your travel plans, tickets, and schedule on hand to prevent any mishaps or confusion!

Light Jacket or Blanket

I am becoming more and more cold natured the older I get. These are a must!

Travel Pillow

When all else fails, just catch up on your sleep. You deserve it!

What are your travel must haves? Let me know!

Gift Guide: Bags

I am addicted to bags. I have way too many totes, clutches, and cross bodys to count. They're just so useful! I love giving bags because I know my friends will use them. From cute clutches to huge tote bags anything will be appreciated this Christmas.

Sea Lilly Clutch | Resort Tote | Zip Zip Pouch

Boat and Tote | Carryall Duo | Everglade Clutch | Leopard Tote

Some of my friends will be seeing these this season. I personally always feel safe with the Boat and Tote- I have three and use one almost every day!

What bags are you wanting this season? Will you be giving any?

Gift Guide: Jewels

Tis' the season for gift guides! While lots of bloggers organize their's by person (for the bff, for the boyfriend, etc.) I like to organize mine by what the gifts are.

Jewelry is my absolute favorite gift to get and give. Jewelry is perfect because it can be worn again and again, lasts forever if you get good quality, and is a great little reminder of how much you care everytime the wearer looks at it. I could share 1000 pieces I am currently loving for gifts this season, but luckily for y'all I narrowed it down.

Clover Bracelet | 5 O'clock Metro | Bow Ring

Statement Earrings | Monogram Bracelet | Monogram Ring | Enamel Studs

What jewelry are you hoping to recieve this holiday?

Motivation Station

Believe it or not, Sunday is technically the first day of the week. My Sundays are full of homework, blogging, and cleaning. It's the catch up day, and I have found if I have a productive Sunday I have a much more productive week. Here is some motivation for your Sunday!

I'm not sure if Abraham Lincoln actually said that about hustling, but it's still motivating!